Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), my friend and the author of this bill.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend Bobby Scott for his leadership. This is an incredible service, not only to my Commonwealth of Virginia and his, but, frankly, to all Americans. This isn't just an issue for African Americans or some subgroup. All of us are formed from our history, as we know from the popularity of the opening of the new African-American museum here in Washington, which is an incredible contribution, I think, to our Nation's culture and our discussion. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I agree with my friend from Wisconsin. I think he laid out the case very well. I think the ruling of the circuit court in many ways tells us about the perils of a very juridical view of what a statute is all about. To refuse to take into account context, history, legislative history, and congressional intent that is reflected often in the kind of debate we are having here on the floor I think is not in the spirit of trying to interpret the laws as Congress intends them. Sooner or later I think Congress is going to have to address this kind of fundamentalist, originalist approach to laws that I think is nonsensical and leads to this kind of cherry-picking about what it was Congress intended to protect. I agree with my friend from Wisconsin. I think this bill is necessary because we have to clarify the law, apparently, for the courts and protect people like Dr. Rainey. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. When we are going to pass a bill on a bipartisan basis, it might be useful to acknowledge the bill has a Democratic cosponsor. I am proud to be the lead cosponsor with Congressman Duffy on the Follow the Rules Act--in fact, he asked me to play that role--and I rise clearly in strong support of the legislation which will protect, critically, whistleblowers who disclose waste, fraud, and abuse. I want to thank my colleague, Representative Duffy, for working with me in a bipartisan way on this important bill. We initially introduced the bill together in the 114th Congress, and it passed the House without opposition. Unfortunately, the Senate did not act. Hopefully, this Congress we will be able to persuade the Senate to enact this important protection. This bill would clarify that, under the Whistleblower Protection Act, an employee who refuses to obey an order that would require the employee to violate a law, rule, or regulation is protected. Congressman Duffy and I introduced the bill to address a misinterpretation of the Whistleblower Protection Act by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the case of Rainey v. MSPB in 2016, as my colleague from Kentucky suggested. In that case, a contracting officer, Dr. Timothy Rainey, was ordered by his supervisor to tell a contractor to rehire a terminated subcontractor. Dr. Rainey, in principle, refused because carrying out that order would have required him to violate the Federal Acquisition Regulation by improperly interfering with the contractor's personnel decisions and requiring the contractor to act contrary to the terms of the contract. What reward did Dr. Rainey get for doing the right thing? He was stripped of his duties and given a negative performance rating. The Federal circuit, God knoweth how, held that an employee who refuses to obey an order is protected only if the order would violate a law, a statute, but not if the order would violate a rule or a regulation. Talk about looking at angels on the head of a pin. The court's ruling was contrary, clearly, to the Whistleblower Protection Act and the intent of this Congress. In enacting the Whistleblower Protection Act, Congress clearly intended that protections granted to government employees who blow the whistle on waste, fraud, and abuse be construed broadly. We clearly had in mind not only laws, but rules and regulations as well. Congress and the American people rely on whistleblowers to make government efficient, honest, and effective, and we in Congress want to support those people. As a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rely on whistleblowers to help us with our oversight and reform work. Without them, rooting out mismanagement, abuse, and corruption would be very difficult. The underlying principle of the Whistleblower Protection Act is that employees should be protected from retaliation if they do the right thing, even if it means disobeying orders from their superiors. Given the Trump administration's attacks on the Federal workforce, it is especially important now, more than ever, for this Congress to uphold whistleblower protections for all of our public servants. We cannot tolerate the issuance of gag orders to silence dissent, and we cannot permit the firing of agency employees who have differing political views from our own or who might object to administration actions. If the administration and my colleagues are serious about draining the swamp, we need to do all we can to ensure that Federal employees are allowed to perform their jobs free from political pressure to violate laws, rules, and regulations. Protecting whistleblowers has been and should continue to be a bipartisan--indeed, nonpartisan--issue and something on which we can find common ground. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this important bipartisan legislation. I am proud to cosponsor it with my friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Duffy). Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2017 Fairfax County Student Peace Awards. The program was founded in 2006 to encourage high-school-aged students to think about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. The program began with one high school and expanded gradually from there. By 2013, the program was offered in every public high school in Fairfax County, as well as in three private schools. Participating high schools choose one junior or senior or one student group active in promoting peace and/or removing the causes of conflict. Examples of outreach include: committing to peace by engaging in activities that strive to end conflict, either locally or globally, seeking to discuss or otherwise resolve potentially controversial issues within the school or community, promoting the understanding of divisive issues and situations to bridge language, ethnic, racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation, or class differences, and working to resolve conflicts among students or members of the community who feel isolated or alienated. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of this year's Student Peace Award winners. Ethan Mirani, Cedar Lane Anti-Bullying Committee Jasmine Howard, Centreville H.S. Shaan Chudasama, Chantilly H.S. Vanessa Mae Avendano, Falls Church H.S. Sabah Munshi, Hayfield S.S. Surabhi Khanal, Herndon H.S. Naba Khan, King Abdullah Academy Shafia Talat, King Abdullah Academy Jamie Hunstad, Lake Braddock S.S. Donya Momenian, Langley H.S. Chrissie Ivanova, Langley H.S. Naomi Soquar, Robert E. Lee H.S. Sean Doyle, James Madison H.S. Aidan Kemp, George C. Marshall H.S. Josh Leong, McLean H.S. Sam Gollob, McLean H.S. Roza Al Barznji, Mountain View H.S. Yosaph Boku, Mount Vernon H.S. ``Blossoming Beauties'', Quander Road School Narjes Bencheikh, South County H.S. Emily Lockwood, South Lakes H.S. Maiss Mohamed, JEB Stuart H.S. Deema Alharthi, JEB Stuart H.S. ``TJ Minds Matter'', Thomas Jefferson H.S. ``Combating Intolerance'', West Potomac H.S. Rodney Wrice, West Springfield H.S. Audrey Weyer, West Springfield H.S. Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these young people to build a more peaceful world in their own communities are the building blocks of a more peaceful and tolerant world. I commend them on their efforts and dedication, and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating each recipient on receiving this award.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Mary and Hans Postma, the Seventh Annual Hylton Performing Arts Center Awards Gala honorees, for their endless contributions to expanding the reach of the arts in the Greater Prince William County area. In recognition of the arts being the heart of a civilized society, net proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Hylton Center's many artistic performances, arts education programs, veterans art and outreach initiatives, and the Hylton Center's endowment. These programs help to ensure the continuation of artistic excellence in performances as well as the accessibility by area residents to quality artistic programs. Mary and Hans Postma have provided instrumental support to the Hylton Center even prior to its full conceptualization. As avid art enthusiasts, Mr. and Mrs. Postma have worked to ensure accessibility to art and artistic programs for all. In the fall of 2013, Mary Postma founded Performing Arts for Kids (PAK) to support and foster the arts among children of all socioeconomic backgrounds in Greater Prince William County by actively pursuing opportunities at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Through their established community relationships, Mr. and Mrs. Postma have expanded the PAK membership total to 30 and have raised more than $20,000 to encourage the pursuit of advanced art education. During the 2013-2014 school year, PAK exposed more than 2,000 schoolchildren to live dance highlights from The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. In March of 2016, PAK sponsored A Place to Be's Same Sky Project, ``Where Music Meets Therapy.'' During the performance, children and young adults provided personal testimonies of their experiences dealing with bullying and low self- esteems in light of their diagnosis with autism, Asperger's, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, brain damage, and other ailments for an audience of 800 middle-school students and adults from Didlake, an AbilityOne Program. Over the short, storied history of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, a series of milestones have been reached but nothing has come to fruition without the dedication and support of Mary and Hans Postma. In the fall of 2016, Mr. and Mrs. Postma presented the Hylton Center with a ``legacy gift'' to name a rehearsal hall in the Education and Rehearsal Wing currently under construction. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, ``Art is never finished, only abandoned.'' We can take great comfort in knowing that with the support of Hans and Mary Postma as well as other great benefactors of the Hylton Performing Arts Center, art will never be abandoned. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Seventh Annual Hylton Performing Arts Awards Gala honorees, Mr. and Mrs. Postma, for their tireless stewardship of the arts in Greater Prince William County.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arthur A. ``Art'' Anselene on the occasion of his retirement as Town Manager of the Town of Herndon. For 41 years, Art has dedicated his life to the service of his community and the residents of Herndon. In 1976, he assumed the position of Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Herndon, a position in which he would serve for 31 years, and in 2007 he was appointed Town Manager. His tenure as Director of Parks and Recreation was marked by the creation of many new events in the Town. These included, among others, the inaugural Herndon Festival, the Labor Day Festival, the July 4th celebration, the Turkey Trot, Holiday Arts and Craft Show, and the always popular summer concert series. In addition, Art worked with the Mayor and the Town Council on a number of public works projects including the Herndon Community Center, Chestnut Grove Cemetery, the Downtown Master Plan, and the Herndon Metrorail Station Area Plan. Under his leadership, the Parks and Recreation Department became one of only 66 elite parks agencies in the country and the fourth in Virginia to receive national agency accreditation. He oversaw the development of a comprehensive parks and recreation system for the town which included a dozen parks, the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, an indoor tennis center, and the flagship Herndon Community Center. As Town Manager for Herndon, Art has had oversight responsibility for all town operations including Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, Police, Public Works, Golf, Cemetery, Communications and Economic Development, IT, and the Town Clerk. His efforts have resulted in the Town of Herndon receiving numerous local, state and national awards and recognitions including a fourth Gold Medal Award for Excellence from the National Recreation and Park Association, the Virginia Municipal League's Achievement Award, and two Green Government Certifications to both the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Town of Herndon Police Department. In addition, the Town received the Government Finance Officers Association of both the United States and Canada's Award for Excellence in recognition of his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his work in maintaining the Town's AAA bond rating. While one might think that this level of dedication and commitment would be enough for one individual, Art's involvement in his community also extends to his activities outside of his profession. He is a member of the Herndon Rotary and Lions Clubs, the National Recreation and Parks Association Commission on Accreditation, and the Virginia Local Government Management Association, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, I have often said that public service is among the most noble of callings. The tireless dedication of individuals like Art are selfless acts that are truly worthy of our highest praise. I commend him for his service to our community and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him great success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This is the 39th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 125 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medals of Valor. Twenty-three awards will be bestowed upon first responders who serve with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in recognition of their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients. Bronze Medal of Valor Captain I Bruce A. Neuhaus Lieutenant Ji Y. Lee Lieutenant Sean E. Ferguson Lieutenant Diron D. Powell Master Technician Marc G. Campet Master Technician Daryl T. Casey Master Technician Herbert M. Knerr Master Technician Michael C. Lewis Master Technician Peter G. Zagorites Technician Sean P. Allen Firefighter Fidel A. Blanco Lifesaving Award Deputy Chief Andrew L. Duke Captain II Mark E. Kordalski Captain Walter Johnson Lieutenant Scott F. Primrose Technician James L. Campbell Technician Travis L. Franks Technician Michael A. Garcia Technician James E. Pfister Technician Adam J. Silvers Firefighter Medic Vicki L. Swain Firefighter Sidney B. Boyd Firefighter Robert L. Knupp Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2017 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the draconian 31 percent cut to the international affairs budget proposed by the Trump Administration. President Trump's budget would starve our nation's diplomacy and development efforts at a time of increased challenges to global security and stability. Strategic investments in development and diplomacy, alongside a strong defense, are essential to fight terrorism, support our allies, and uphold America's leadership role in the world. If the United States retreats from our global commitments, then we cede ground to countries that do not share American interests and pose a risk to American values. You do not make America great again by unilaterally withdrawing from the world. Since World War II, we have been and we remain the essential nation. Ronald Reagan used to talk about making America that shining city upon a hill. What he meant was a beacon, a place people could look to for succor, human rights advocacy, and protection. That is who we are. Yesterday, the Trump Administration announced that it was ending all funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which works to provide access to contraceptives, prevent unsafe abortions, and stop maternal deaths around the world. Cutting these funds threatens the lives of millions of girls and women. Throughout U.S. development operations, we are fostering American values through support for civil society, free markets, independent media, and democratic institutions. At a time when countries like Russia and China are undermining democratic institutions and the post-WWII international order, we need robust diplomatic and development operations more than ever. Foreign assistance is not just a nice thing to do. It opens foreign markets for American businesses and creates enduring partnerships abroad. For example, what began as a donor-recipient relationship between the United States and South Korea in the wake of the Korean War has since blossomed into an unbreakable alliance bound by shared military, diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner. We turn to diplomacy to solve our most intractable national security challenges. It is a political solution we seek in Syria, not a military one. It is the JCPOA, a multilateral diplomatic effort, that has effectively reversed the Iranian nuclear threat. It is our aid and reconstruction efforts that will eliminate terrorists' sanctuaries in Afghanistan, not a permanent military presence. Pulling out the rug beneath our nation's diplomats not only makes their efforts less effective, but it also further exposes our military by shifting the entire burden to them. More than 120 retired generals and admirals recently wrote a letter to Congress on this matter saying ``the State Department, USAID, Millennium Challenge Corporation, Peace Corps and other development agencies are critical to preventing conflict and reducing the need to put our men and women in uniform in harm's way.'' This is no longer a battle about numbers or a budget. This is a battle about who we are as a people and what role we will play in shaping the world we hand over to our children and grandchildren. There are people who benefit from the United States' diplomatic and foreign aid efforts, who are fighting for democracy as we speak, putting their lives on the line counting on us to have their backs. This is not the time to retreat. But that is what this budget does. We must fight this budget for the sake of that shining city upon a hill.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 92, condemning North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program. I am pleased to cosponsor this resolution, which reaffirms the U.S. commitment to security on the Korean Peninsula. It is undeniable that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs have accelerated in recent years. In 2016 alone, the regime conducted two nuclear tests and more than 20 missile tests. In its most recent test, North Korea simultaneously launched four intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, three of which landed within Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). In response to the threat emanating from Pyongyang, the United States and South Korea made a joint decision to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to protect South Korean security and alliance military forces. Once deployment is completed, THAAD will provide upgraded ballistic missile defense capabilities on the Korean Peninsula. This resolution urges China to cease its attempts to block THAAD and calls upon Beijing to pressure the North Korean regime to dismantle its weapons programs. Importantly, H. Res. 92 calls on the United States to both enforce sanctions on North Korea and to undertake a rigorous diplomatic effort to urge the global community to fully enforce international sanctions on North Korea. The Korean Peninsula remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints on the globe. Navigating this complex web of regional stakeholders will require patient and committed U.S. leadership to avert the ever-present potential of conflict. I ask that my colleagues support this resolution, which demonstrates our commitment to halting the regime's destabilizing provocations.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 2017 Northern Virginia District PTA Annual Award recipients. Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSAs) in Northern Virginia serve a critical role in helping to provide the best possible educational environment for our students. The Northern Virginia District PTA represents a region with more than 220 schools. Maintaining a healthy and strong organization is an important part of allowing these groups to have the greatest possible impact on the students they serve. To encourage such strength, it is important to note the individual PTAs and PTSAs that excel in this mission as well as the individual Volunteers of the Year. I am pleased to congratulate the following PTAs, PTSAs, and individuals on being recognized by the Northern Virginia District PTA for their immeasurable contributions to the education of our children: NOVA District PTA Elementary School Volunteer of the Year Finalists: Laura Allen, Camelot ES PTA; Eileen Gorman, Hollin Meadows ES PTA; Julie Shepard, Springfield Estates ES PTA; NOVA District Secondary School Volunteer of the Year Finalists: Phyllis Lovett, Fairfax High School PTSA; Monique Roberts, Franklin Middle School PTA; Michele Buschman, Lake Braddock Secondary School PTSA; Martha Coleman, Mount Vernon High School PTSA; NOVA District PTA Outstanding Administrators of the Year Finalists: Principal David Jagels, Centreville High School PTSA; Principal Chuck Miller, Mark Twain Middle School PTA; Assistant Principal Michelle Taylor, Oakton High School PTSA; Principal Evan Glazer, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology PTSA; and Principal Larry Aiello, Parklawn Elementary School PTA; Outstanding Elementary PTA of the Year: Annandale Terrace Elementary School PTA; Outstanding Secondary PTSA of the Year: Annandale High School PTSA; Outstanding Educator of the Year: Leslie Smith, Weyanoke Elementary School PTA; Outstanding School Staff Member of the Year: Judith Edwards, Lake Braddock Secondary School PTSA; Virginia PTA 100 percent Membership Award Recipients: McKinley Elementary School PTA; Nottingham Elementary School PTA; and Virginia PTA Advanced Dues Membership Award: Reston Montessori School PTA. A special note of appreciation is extended to Debbie Kilpatrick, NOVA District Director, Jeff Wright, Asst. District Director, Denise Bolton, District Secretary-Treasurer, along with honored speakers Nathan Monell, National PTA Executive Director, Lorraine Hightower, 2016 VA PTA Child Advocate, and Donna Colombo, VA PTA Vice President of Membership. Lastly, I commend the following Northern Virginia District PTA Executive Board Members for their support and dedication: Ron Henderson, Advocacy Chair; Michelle Leete, Communications Chair; Mike Woltz, Diversity Outreach Chair; Judy Dioquino, Events Chair; Cathy Petrini, Reflections Chair; Patricia Franck, Special Projects Chair; Charles Britt, STEM Special Committee; Ramona Morrow, VA PTA Family Engagement Chair; Joy Cameron, Alexandria City Council PTA President; Chris Ditta, Arlington County Council PTA President; and Kimberly Adams, Fairfax County Council PTA President. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the outstanding achievements of the individuals and the PTA/PTSA organizations being recognized. Dedicated involvement from so many parents reflects a strong commitment to public education and community service that students in our schools are fortunate to experience. I offer my strong support for these organizations and their dedicated volunteers.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This is the 39th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 125 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medals of Valor. Five members of the Town of Herndon Police Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients: Certificate of Valor Corporal Damien Austin Senior Police Officer Ronald Eicke Lifesaving Award Corporal Andrew Perry Private First Class Chad Findley Private First Class Davin Royal Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2017 Valor Award Recipients, and thank all of the men and women who serve in the Town of Herndon Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327 in Springfield, Virginia and the winners of its 2017 Americanism Awards. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its beginnings to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War established local organizations to bring awareness to their service and to advocate for veterans retirement benefits and improved medical care. Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make a Difference Day and National Volunteer Week. With approximately 600 Comrades and 150 Ladies Auxiliary members, the Springfield VFW Post 7327 stands out for the depth of its commitment to our community. Often called ``The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia,'' Post 7327 has one of the most aggressive Adopt-a-Unit programs in the entire VFW organization to support our service members stationed overseas. VFW Post 7327 visits the VA hospital at least quarterly, bringing along goodie bags for our Wounded Warriors. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, VFW Post 7327 adopts military families in need through the USO and provides them with meal baskets for each holiday, gifts for children, commissary cards for the parents, and a Christmas party where the children can meet Santa and receive a gift-filled stocking. The Ladies Auxiliary members collect, sort, and distribute more than 2,000 pieces of clothing each month to various charitable organizations. VFW Post 7327 is a strong supporter of local youth organizations, including the Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Little League Baseball, that contribute greatly to the education and well-being of our children. Each year, VFW Post 7327 bestows awards to local students who have submitted outstanding essays on a theme and to local teachers and public safety officers in recognition of their extraordinary actions and dedication. I am honored to include in the Record the names of this year's honorees: Patriot's Pen 1st Place: Alexia M. de Costa 2nd Place: Austin Matthew Lathrop 3rd Place: Serina Ahmed Voice of Democracy 1st Place: Timothy A. Withington 2nd Place: Jenna L. C. Huber 3rd Place: Sean M. Franklin Teachers of the Year Elementary: Joash Chung Middle School: Cindy Downing Public Safety Awards Assistant Chief Gary E. Gaal Police Officer First Class Christopher Cosgriff Lieutenant Justin Palenscar Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking VFW Post 7327 for its continued efforts on behalf of our community and in congratulating the honorees of the 2017 Americanism Awards

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This is the 39th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 125 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medal of Valor. Seventy-eight awards will be bestowed upon first responders who serve with the Fairfax County Police Department in recognition of their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients: silver Medal of Valor Sgt. Joseph L. Furman, MPO Gene M. Taitano, PFC Stephen K. Carter, PFC Lane M. Leisey (2), PFC Matthew R. Long, PFC Gershon L. Ramirez, Det. Michelle M. Warren. Bronze Medal of Valor 2Lt. Camille S. Neville, 2Lt. Charles H. Riddle, Sgt. Matthew A. Guzzetta, Sgt. Ari D. Morin, MPO Mary Hulse, MPO Michael D. Riccio, MPO Mark S. Yawornicky, PFC Michael H. Burgoyne Jr., PFC Silvana B. Masood, PFC Kenyatta L. Momon, PFC Christopher W. Munson, PFC Amanda B. Paris, PFC Steven L. Randazzo, PFC Nicholas A. Shivley, PFC Todd B. Sweeney, PFC Kurt T. Woodward, Det. David J. Faulk, Animal Caretaker II John W. Good, Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia E. Sbrocco. Certificate of Valor 1Lt. M. Pirnat, 2Lt. Marc H. Mitchell, 2Lt. Edward S. Rediske, Sgt. Michael A. Comer, Physician's Assistant Craig DeAtley, MPO Jason E. Reichel, MPO Adrian K. Steiding, PFC Brandy L. Andres, PFC James A. Burleson, PFC Jason E. Chandler, PFC Christopher B. Hutchison, PFC Richard A. Juchnewicz, PFC Jonathan L. Kaminski (2), PFC Jonathan D. Keitz, PFC John P. Kolcun, PFC Russ E. Lephart, PFC David A. Neil, Jr., PFC Matthew W. Stanfield, PFC Dustin D. Tewilliager, PFC Stephen T. Vaughn, Det. Anthony N. Taormina, Ofc. Kenneth D. Baxter, Ofc. Andrew K. Kuremsky. Lifesaving Award 2Lt. Edward S. Rediske, Sgt. John H. Kim (2), Sgt. David Kroll, PFC Kyle R. Bryant, PFC Arthur Y. Cho, PFC Gregory S. Cox, PFC Timothy S. Evans, PFC John E. Matusiak, PFC Katherine A. Montwill, PFC William M. Mulhern (2), PFC Nathan L. Musser, PFC Marian I. Nedeltchev, PFC Edwin M. Pastora, PFC Kyle M. Proffitt, PFC Scott H. Reever, PFC Justin P. Robinson (2), PFC Nicholas A. Shivley, PFC Jonathan K. Steier, PFC Matthew E. Weaver, PFC Frederick R. Yap, PFC Sung B. Yoon, Ofc. Kenneth J. McNulty, Ofc. Matthew F. Schafer, Ofc. Stacey L. Wells. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2017 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent Deputy Sheriff PFC Kevin Davis for being named Outstanding Deputy Sheriff of the Year by the Rotary Club of West Springfield. PFC Davis joined the Sheriff's Office in 2009 after retiring from the U.S. Marine Corps as a gunnery sergeant. PFC Davis works in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Civil Enforcement Branch, where he is responsible for the processing and service of civil documents on behalf of the courts and is assigned to West Springfield and Burke in Fairfax County. PFC Davis and the other deputies have spearheaded efforts, both on and off the job, to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This past summer they partnered with 17 Starbucks stores to collect toiletries and baby care items for Artemis House, Fairfax County's only 24-hour domestic violence shelter. PFC Davis volunteers for many other Sheriff's Office activities beyond his regular job assignment. He is a member of the award-winning Honor Guard team. He also participates in Project Lifesaver, which assists families and caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, Alzheimer's, and related conditions and disabilities. During National Night Out he visited several community gatherings in West Springfield and Burke and made an especially positive impression on young children and their families. Upon graduating from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, he was elected Class President by his peers and received the Instructor's Award for his outstanding leadership. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating PFC Davis and in thanking him for his years of service to Fairfax County. He has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public safety and the mission of law enforcement, and for that, we owe him a special debt of gratitude.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Virginia State Police Trooper Steven Muller, for his recognition by the Rotary Club of West Springfield as an Outstanding Virginia State Trooper of the Year for 2016. Trooper Muller is a credit to his unit and uniform and the long tradition of our Commonwealth's State Police Force. Trooper Muller has been nominated for this Rotary award by his superiors, who note that in August of 2015 he was dispatched to a vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway. Upon arriving at the scene he found two citizens who were trying to aid an individual lying near the wreckage on a very busy and dangerous stretch of I-495. Trooper Muller checked the victim for signs of breathing and a pulse and found the victim unresponsive. Immediately after, he began special rescue breathing and CPR. Trooper Kress Adamson arrived a few minutes later to aid Trooper Muller. A Fairfax County Rescue team then arrived and asked the two troopers to continue their life-saving efforts until the Rescue team could apply an automated extemal defibrillator. After several minutes of these combined advanced lifesaving techniques, they were able to regain a pulse in the victim. The victim was then transported to INOVA Alexandria Hospital where he remained in critical condition until his recovery. Due to the initial valiant efforts of both civilians and these two troopers, the victim has a better chance of recovery from this life-threatening accident. Trooper Muller has served with the Virginia State Police for five years. After graduating from the State Police Academy, he was assigned to Springfield (Area 48), where he currently serves. Originally from Brocton, New York, he holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Fredonia State University. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Trooper Muller and in thanking him for his years of service to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public safety and the mission of law enforcement, and for that, we owe him a special debt of gratitude.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 69th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping our community safe. The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than six decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization. As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and include in the Record. Board of Directors President Tonya McCreary Vice-President Joe Shields Secretary Matt Bryant Treasurer Ian Dickinson Larry Bockneck Becky Dobbs Rich Guarrasi Officers Chief Tom Warnock Deputy Chief Tina Godfrey Deputy Chief John Hudak Administrative Member Manager Cathy Owens Captain II Melissa Ashby Captain II Larry Bockneck Captain II Keith O'Connor Lieutenant Emily Fincher Lieutenant Kevin Grottle Sergeant Shaun Kurry Sergeant Jennifer Babic Sergeant Peter Hamilton Team Leader Paul Stracke Team Leader and Chaplain Harry Chelpon In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary service during the last year: Founder's Award: Patrick Owens Rookie of the Year: Earl Roberts Firefighter of the Year: Ian Dickinson EMS Provider of the Year: Barry Brown Officer of the Year: CPT II Keith O'Connor Administrative Member of the Year: Chuck Fry Career Member of the Year: MT George Hahn Chief's Award: SGT Shaun Kurry President's Award: Becky Dobbs Special Recognition: Harry Chelpon/Kevin Grottle Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 69 years of service and in thanking all of the brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This is the 39th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 125 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medals of Valor. Fourteen members of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients: Certificate of Valor Second Lieutenant Michael T. Withrow, Sergeant Nathan Cable, Sergeant Oliver Yard Master Deputy Sheriff Clifton Cooley, Master Deputy Sheriff Patrick McPartlin, Master Deputy Sheriff Jeffery Waple, Private First Class Jonathan Perryman, Private First Class Joshua Silver. Lifesaving Award Master Deputy Sheriff Edward S. Fircetz, Master Deputy Sheriff Daniel Fyock, Master Deputy Sheriff Robert Knapp, Private First Class Daniel Boring, Private First Class Heather Trijo, Deputy James Grosser. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2017 Valor Award Recipients, and thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Virginia State Police Trooper Kress Adamson, for his recognition by the Rotary Club of West Springfield as an Outstanding Virginia State Trooper of the Year for 2016. Trooper Adamson is a credit to his unit and uniform and the long tradition of our Commonwealth's State Police Force. In August of 2015 he was dispatched to a vehicle crash on the Capital Beltway. Upon arriving at the scene, he found two citizens who were trying to aid an individual lying near the wreckage on a very busy and dangerous stretch of I-495 and his fellow Trooper Steven Muller had begun special rescue breathing and CPR. A Fairfax County Rescue team then arrived and asked the two troopers to continue their life-saving efforts until the Rescue team was could apply an automated external defibrillator. After several minutes of these combined advanced lifesaving techniques, they were able to regain a pulse in the victim. The victim was then transported to INOVA Alexandria Hospital where he remained in critical condition until his recovery. Due to the initial valiant efforts of both civilians and these two troopers, the victim had a better chance of recovery from this life-threatening accident. Trooper Adamson has served the Virginia State Police for seven years. Upon graduating from the State Police Academy, he was initially assigned to Arlington (Area 45). He is currently with the Springfield office (Area 48). Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years and deployed to Iraq in 2007. His MOS was medical support, and he currently is working on completing a bachelor's degree at Thomas Edison University. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Trooper Adamson and in thanking him for his years of service to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He has demonstrated exceptional dedication to public safety and the mission of law enforcement, and for that, we owe him a special debt of gratitude.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This is the 39th Annual Valor Awards sponsored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present 125 awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze and Silver Medals of Valor. Five members of the Town of Vienna Police Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients: Bronze Medal of Valor Master Police Officer Neil Patrick Shaw Police Officer Andrew Slebonick Lifesaving Award Sergeant Michael Reeves Master Police Officer Matthew Lyons Police Officer Gregory Hylinski Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2017 Valor Award Recipients, and thank all of the men and women who serve in the Town of Vienna Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished friend from Massachusetts, and I also thank his able staff for the incredible work they are doing. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the bill before us, the EPA Science Advisory Board, but also I want to talk about Mr. McGovern's amendment on Russia. They actually are linked because the last time a great power decided to deny science-based policy and to actually dictate politically what was science and what wasn't was Stalin's Soviet Russia. A famous scientist named Lysenko turned out to be a fraud and a con artist. But for 30 years, his thinking dominated Soviet science to the detriment of the Soviet people. It actually led to a famine in Ukraine, killing millions of people because he insisted on his political brand of agricultural science, which wasn't science at all. My friend from Massachusetts I think is wrong when he asks: What is the emergency? I don't think he understands that, from the Republican point of view, science mixed with public policy is an emergency. We have to do something about it. The world was created 4,273 years ago and carbon dating is a fraud. As your coastal areas are under water, think about the comfort of Republican philosophy: it is just a theory, and disputable at that. By the way, let's defund any research on it. Let's back out of our commitments. Let's be the only major nation in the world that denies that climate change is real and is going to affect us in almost every aspect of our lives moving forward, including our children and their children. We owe them better. That is the emergency. God forbid the Environmental Protection Agency have policies and regulations that are science-based. God forbid we look at empirical research to guide us in making thoughtful policies to protect the public. God forbid we look at the science of lead and other toxins in water supplies, let's save $7 million in Flint, Michigan. Just today they announced a $100 million settlement. That anti-scientific decision, that political decision, put the people of Flint, Michigan, at risk, and it is now going to cost $100 million to fix. That is the consequences of an anti-empirical philosophy, and that will be the consequence of polluting this board with corporations and corporate representatives who are guilty of polluting in the first place. Of course, they won't welcome regulation of their own respective industries, and the Republicans are their enablers. That is what is going to happen if this bill passes. With respect to Russia, each day there are more troubling revelations that make clear that senior-level Trump officials had undisclosed contact with Russian officials about the campaign, perhaps, the transition, and about sanctions. National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was fired after only 3 weeks on the job for lying about this very thing to the Vice President of the United States. Attorney General Jeff Sessions had to recuse himself from any Russian probe because of compromised testimony at his nomination hearing. FBI Director James Comey confirmed an investigation into the Trump campaign's possible collusion with Russian officials. What has been the most visible reaction from my friends on the other side of the aisle in this Congress? The frenetic behavior of the Intelligence Committee chairman that has seemingly compromised the committee's ability to investigate. This ought not to be about partisan politics. It ought to be about restoring congressional independence and integrity, one of our most cherished democratic institutions; in fact, the most cherished, a free election without foreign interference. So I support Mr. McGovern's potential amendment. I will also oppose the previous question.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding me this time. The Hippocratic Oath says ``primum non nocere''; ``first, do no harm.'' This bill violates the Hippocratic Oath in all respects. Twenty-four million people losing their health care, our friend from Wyoming thinks that is a choice? A string of benefits required to be covered by insurance companies to protect consumers, to protect our loved ones when they get ill, vitiated. Maybe that is popular in some parts of this country, but I don't know where they are. This bill will unravel health care for all Americans. It is the wrong path to take, and I urge defeat of this legislation in its entirety. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, the VA Accountability First Act of 2017 (HR 1259) represents an attack on collective bargaining at federal agencies and an attempt to dismantle the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA, Pub. L. 95-454). The VA Accountability First Act of 2017 would strip Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees of personnel procedures that they developed through collective bargaining with the VA. It would also close the window of notice provided to employees facing adverse personnel actions from 37 to only 10 days. By infringing on activities authorized by the CSRA, this bill would make it easier to fire an employee without good cause. We should remember that one-third of VA employees are veterans themselves. H.R. 1259, as written, would harm some of the very people we are trying to assist. The elimination of merit-based principles for workers facing adverse action could allow management to target the same whistleblowers who are trying to help us eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse at the VA. The bill guts the right of VA employees to use union protest mechanisms to effectively address hostile actions. The current grievance procedure is granted by statute and included in the contract negotiations between labor and management. The bill proposes a rushed management-run appeals process that does not allow good employees who are treated unfairly enough time to develop the requisite supporting information to defend their jobs. The reduced timeframe for agency review would be even more severe for medical professionals facing adverse actions related to professional conduct or competence, particularly because their cases typically involve complex medical issues. H.R. 1259 also strips front-line employees of their rights to appeal to the Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) by reducing the adjudication period following their dismissal and removal from the payroll. Employees lose 80 percent of the time at the MSPB and would now only have seven days to prepare their case for the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. A thoughtful approach to these issues at the VA would strike a balance of promoting employee accountability and protecting employee rights. Unfortunately, this bill does not strike that balance, and so eviscerates employee protections that it could discourage whistleblowers from exposing waste, fraud, and abuse at the VA. I strongly oppose the VA Accountability First Act because of the destructive effects it would have on the VA workforce and veterans alike.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.